The Femtosecond Energy Diffusion Sensor: A Non-contact Tool for Photovoltaic Characterization
Author:
McLeskey, James T.1, Norris Pamela M.2
Affiliation:
1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 601 W. Main St., Richmond, VA 23284-3015 2. Microscale Heat Transfer Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, 122 Engineers Way, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4746
Abstract
The femtosecond energy diffusion sensor is presented as a non-contact tool for the use in the characterization of thin film hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) photovoltaic cells. The sensor is based on the pump-probe technique and when used with the appropriate models, this non-contact, non-destructive tool is shown to be capable of measuring important material characteristics of each layer of a p-i-n junction including bandgap and density of states. When fully developed, it is believed that the sensor could be used in a factory environment to detect and solve problems rapidly and to maintain control of the entire manufacturing process.
Publisher
ASME International
Subject
Energy Engineering and Power Technology,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
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